The Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee has published their report on aspects of the Scottish Government’s Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill, and issued a press release to highlight the range of issues included in their report.

Rob Gibson, MSP, Convenor of the Committee said “Scotland is engaged in a continuing and complex process of land reform. The Committee agrees that the Government’s proposed changes have the potential to bring equality of opportunity for Scotland’s urban and rural communities, while balancing this with the need to protect the rights of land owners. However it is vital that the Government addresses the detailed issues which were highlighted in evidence so that Scotland’s communities can be properly supported in their ambitions to bring social, economic and environmental benefits to their areas and to future generations”.

Mr Gibson continued “The devil’s in the detail and some fundamental issues are still to be addressed. For example, the Government is yet to pin down an agreed definition of ‘eligible land’; which community bodies can apply to buy; and what kind of support will be in place to help communities fulfil their aspirations”.

The full press release can be viewed at the Scottish Parliament website by following this link.